Kathmandu — Nepal has advanced to the final of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup after a dominant 9-wicket victory over Malaysia in Thursday’s semifinal match.

Opting to bowl first after losing the toss, Nepal delivered an excellent bowling performance to bowl out Malaysia for just 90 runs in 43.1 overs. Muhammad Fatul Muin was the top scorer for Malaysia with 38 runs, while captain Diaz Patro added 10. No other Malaysian batter was able to reach double figures.

Among Nepal’s bowlers, Abhay Yadav was the most successful, claiming 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 10 overs. Subham Khanal also impressed with 3 wickets for 12 runs, including 4 maiden overs. Captain Bipin Prasad Sharma and Sachin Bhatt took one wicket each.

Chasing a modest target of 91, Nepal comfortably reached the total in just 11.4 overs, losing only one wicket. Parimarjan Yadav led the charge with an unbeaten 59 off 35 balls, while Shivansh Bajgain remained not out on 23.

Nepal will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Hong Kong and Singapore in the final.